Coloured transparent or translucent cosmetic composition

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a transparent or translucent colored cosmetic composition for making up the skin, lips and superficial body growths comprising a transparent or translucent cosmetic base and at least one coloring agent in an amount such that the transmission of a 10 μm layer of the final composition, measured at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption peaks of the coloring agent, is between 20% and 80%.

[0001] The present invention relates to transparent or translucent cosmetic compositions capable of depositing a color on the skin, lips or superficial body growths, and to a process for preparing them.

[0002] The contribution of color to the skin, the lips and superficial body growths, in particular the hair, nails and eyelashes, has always been an important subject of research in the cosmetics field and very particularly in the field of make-up.

[0003] This contribution of color is generally carried out in the form of white or colored pigments, optionally in combination with dyes, in cosmetic bases giving rise to covering colored coats (lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, nail varnish, foundation) or semitransparent colored coats (foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, nail varnish), the desired effect generally being the production of an intense color or the masking of underlying imperfections.

[0004] In the field of foundations, for example, the masking of skin imperfections by covering or semicovering products is, however, virtually always accompanied, despite the application as a very fine layer, by a degree of visibility of the coat and by an unnatural appearance, which is generally undesirable.

[0005] Furthermore, there exist cosmetic compositions, such as care creams, which, after application as a fine layer, are entirely transparent or else sufficiently translucent (see WO 98/5234) to retain the natural appearance of the skin and to only lightly mask the imperfections of the latter. However, these products do not make it possible to color the physiological substrate on which they are deposited.

[0006] The Applicant Company set itself the target of developing a novel range of noncovering make-up products which make it possible to deposit a color on the skin, lips or superficial body growths while remaining entirely “invisible”, that is to say products capable of giving coats which are sufficiently transparent or translucent to retain the natural appearance of the underlying surface.

[0007] A subject matter of the present invention is consequently transparent or translucent colored cosmetic compositions for making up the skin, lips and superficial body growths comprising a bulk transparent or translucent cosmetic base and at least one coloring agent in an amount such that the transmission of a 10 μm layer of the final composition, measured at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, is between 20% and 80%.

[0008] Another subject matter of the invention is a process for the preparation of a transparent or translucent colored cosmetic composition described above.

[0009] The cosmetic compositions which are a subject matter of the present invention thus make it possible to color the substrate on which they are applied while giving, by virtue of the high “transparency” of the coat obtained, a perfectly natural appearance to the surface thus covered.

[0010] The colored cosmetic compositions of the present invention have, as characteristic, not only the coloring capability and the transparency of the coat obtained but also a “bulk” transparent or translucent appearance. This property of bulk transparency or translucency means that a layer with a thickness arbitrarily set at 1 cm allows a portion of the visible light to pass through, either while scattering it (bulk translucent compositions) or without scattering it (bulk transparent compositions).

[0011] This transparent or translucent appearance is highly satisfactory from an esthetic viewpoint and can for this reason be of great commercial interest.

[0012] The cosmetic compositions of the present invention are characterized in that they have a transmission at a thickness of 10 μm, measured at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, of between 20% and 80%.

[0013] This layer thickness of 10 μm at which the measurements of transmission of the compositions of the present invention are carried out was chosen because it corresponds substantially to the thickness of a make-up coat obtained, for example, with a foundation or a lipstick. The values obtained by these measurements therefore give a good description of what is commonly known as “make-up rendering”, that is to say of the immediate visual impression which the make-up layer gives.

[0014] The transmission as defined here is equal to the ratio of the intensity of light transmitted by the sample (I_(t)) to the intensity of light transmitted by the control (I₀), expressed as %

T(%)=I _(t) /I ₀

[0015] The Applicant Company uses specific sample carriers in order to be able to carry out measurements over a layer thickness of 10 μm.

[0016] They consist of a transparent glass or quartz slide, the size of which depends on the measuring cell of the spectrophotometer used (20 mm×10 mm×3 mm for a Cary 300), exhibiting at its surface a flat recess with a depth of 10 μm. This flat recess is filled with the sample and the excess is optionally leveled down using a slide, so as thus to obtain a perfectly even layer with a thickness of 10 μm.

[0017] The measurements are carried out using a double-beam UV/visible spectrophotometer, Cary 300 model from Varian, in transmission mode and by using, as control, a transparent slide (of quartz or of glass) with an identical thickness to that receiving the sample.

[0018] As indicated above, the transmission values indicated for the compositions according to the invention are those measured at the wavelength corresponding to the maximum of one of the absorption peaks (dye) or scattering peaks (pigment) of the coloring agent in the visible light region (λ=400 to 750 nm).

[0019] The error in the measurement of the transmission is ±5%.

[0020] The “bulk” transparency or translucency of the colored cosmetic compositions of the present invention is evaluated visually for a layer thickness of 1 cm.

[0021] The transparent or translucent colored cosmetic compositions are obtained by virtue of the combination

[0022] of a bulk transparent or translucent cosmetic base and

[0023] of at least one appropriate coloring agent.

[0024] The cosmetic bases can be used for the preparation of the compositions of the present invention can be composed of any cosmetically acceptable base which meets the conditions of transparency or of translucency essential for the production of the transparent or translucent colored cosmetic compositions.

[0025] These conditions of transparency or of translucency are

[0026] good bulk transparency or translucency of the colorant-free base, assessed visually for a thickness of 1 cm, and

[0027] a transmission of the base comprising the colorant or colorants, measured for a thickness of 10 μm at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent used, of between 20% and 80%.

[0028] It can relate to hydrophilic or lipophilic phases with a liquid, thickened, gelled, pasty or solid consistency.

[0029] Preferably, the base of the composition is in the form of an aqueous or oily gel which is more or less rigid. More especially, this gel is a rigid gel presented in a dish or as a stick, preferably as a stick, and in the anhydrous form. In particular, this base is an anhydrous foundation or lipstick base.

[0030] The oily base comprises a fatty phase which is liquid at ambient temperature, such as those used conventionally in cosmetics. This fatty phase can comprise polar oils and/or nonpolar oils.

[0031] In particular, the polar oils of the invention are:

[0032] hydrocarbonaceous vegetable oils with a high content of triglycerides composed of esters of fatty acids and of glycerol, the fatty acids of which can have various C₄ to C₂₄ chain lengths, it being possible for these chains to be linear or branched and saturated or unsaturated; these oils are in particular wheat germ, maize, sunflower, karite, castor, sweet almond, macadamia, apricot, soybean, cottonseed, alfalfa, poppy, pumpkinseed, sesame, cucumber, rapeseed, avocado, hazelnut, grape seed, blackcurrant seed, evening primrose, millet, barley, quinoa, olive, rye, safflower, candlenut, passionflower or musk rose oil; or triglycerides of caprylic/capric acid, such as those sold by Stearineries Dubois or those sold under the names Miglyol 810, 812 and 818 by Dynamit Nobel;

[0033] synthetic oils or synthetic esters of formula R_(a)COOR_(b) in which R_(a) represents the residue of a linear or branched fatty acid comprising from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and R_(b) represents a hydrocarbonaceous chain, in particular a branched hydrocarbonaceous chain, comprising from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, provided that R_(a)+R_(b) is ≧10, such as, for example, purcellin oil (cetostearyl octanoate), isononyl isononanoate, C₁₂ to C₁₅ alkyl benzoate, isopropyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, isostearyl isostearate, or octanoates, decanoates or ricinoleates of alcohols or of polyalcohols; hydroxylated esters, such as isostearyl lactate or diisostearyl malate; and pentaerythritol esters;

[0034] synthetic ethers having from 10 to 40 carbon atoms;

[0035] C₈ to C₂₆ fatty alcohols, such as oleyl alcohol;

[0036] C₈ to C₂₆ fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linolenic acid and linoleic acid; and

[0037] their mixtures.

[0038] The nonpolar oils according to the invention are in particular silicone oils, such as volatile or nonvolatile and linear or cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) which are liquid at ambient temperature; polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl or alkoxy side groups and/or alkyl or alkoxy groups at the chain end, which groups each have from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; phenylated silicones, such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenylmethyldiphenyltrisiloxanes or (2-phenylethyl)trimethylsiloxysilicates; volatile or nonvolatile and linear or branched hydrocarbons of synthetic or mineral origin, such as volatile liquid paraffins (isoparaffins, such as isododecane) or nonvolatile liquid paraffins, and their derivatives, liquid petrolatum, liquid lanolin, polydecenes, hydrogenated polyisobutene, such as parleam oil, squalane or arara oil; and their mixtures.

[0039] The oils are preferably nonpolar oils and more especially an oil or a mixture of oils of the hydrocarbonaceous type of mineral or synthetic origin chosen in particular from alkanes, such as parleam oil, isoparaffins, such as isododecane, squalane and their mixtures. These oils are advantageously used in combination with one or more phenylated silicone oils.

[0040] The liquid fatty phase preferably comprises at least one nonvolatile oil chosen in particular from hydrocarbonaceous oils of mineral, vegetable or synthetic origin, synthetic esters or ethers, silicone oils and their mixtures.

[0041] The total liquid fatty phase represents, in practice, from 5 to 99.95%, preferably from 10 to 80% and better still from 20 to 75% of the total weight of the composition.

[0042] This fatty phase is advantageously structured by a gelling agent for fatty phases, such as

[0043] (a) gelling polyamides, in particular with a molecular mass of less than 100 000 and preferably less than 50 000, for example with a molecular mass ranging from 2 000 to 20 000, optionally comprising alkyl side groups or alkyl groups at the chain end having from 8 to 120 carbon atoms and preferably from 12 to 60 carbon atoms,

[0044] (b) hydrophobic galactomannans comprising in particular from 1 to 6 and preferably from 2 to 4 OH groups per monosaccharide unit which are substituted by a C₁₋₆, preferably C₁₋₃, alkyl group,

[0045] (c) hydrophobic pyrogenic silicas,

[0046] (d) and the combinations of these gelling agents.

[0047] The gelling polyamides are, for example, the polyamide resins resulting from the condensation of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and of a diamine, including the compounds having more than 2 carboxyl groups and more than 2 amine groups, the carboxyl and amine groups of adjacent individual units being condensed by an amide bond. These polyamide resins are in particular those sold under the Versamid® trademark by General Mills Inc. and Henkel Corp. (Versamid® 930, 744 or 1655) or by Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp. under the Onamid® trademark, in particular Onamid® S or C. These resins have a weight-average molecular mass ranging from 6 000 to 9 000. For further information on these polyamides, reference may be made to the documents U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,705 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,148,125. More specifically, use is made of Versamid® 930 or 744.

[0048] Use may also be made of the polyamides sold by Arizona Chemical under the Uni-Rez references (2658, 2931, 2970, 2621, 2613, 2624, 2665, 1554, 2623, 2662) and the product sold under the reference Macromelt 6212 by Henkel. For further information on these polyamides, reference may be made to the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,209.

[0049] The polyamides can also be those resulting from a polycondensation between a carboxylic diacid comprising at least 32 carbon atoms (in particular from 32 to 44 carbon atoms) and a diamine having at least 2 carbon atoms (in particular from 2 to 36 carbon atoms). The diacid is preferably a dimer of a fatty acid having at least 16 carbon atoms, such as oleic, linoleic or linolenic acid. The diamine is preferably ethylenediamine, hexylenediamine or hexamethylenediamine. If the polymers comprise one or two end carboxylic acid groups, it is advantageous to esterify them with a monoalcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 36 carbon atoms, better still from 12 to 24 and even better still from 16 to 24, for example 18 carbon atoms.

[0050] These polymers are more especially those disclosed in the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,657 of Union Camp. Each of these polymers satisfies in particular the following formula (I):

[0051] in which n denotes a whole number of amide units such that the number of ester groups represents from 10% to 50% of the total number of the ester and amide groups; each of the [lacuna] symbols independently denotes an alkyl or alkenyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and in particular from 4 to 24 carbon atoms; each of the R₂ symbols independently represents a C₄ to C₄₂ hydrocarbonaceous group, provided that 50% of the R₂ groups represent a C₃₀ to C₄₂ hydrocarbonaceous group; each of the R₃ symbols independently represents an organic group provided with at least 2 carbon atoms, with hydrogen atoms and optionally with one or more oxygen or nitrogen atoms; and each of the R₄ symbols independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group or a direct bond to R₃ or to another R₄, so that the nitrogen atom to which both R₃ and R₄ are bonded forms part of a heterocyclic structure defined by R₄—N—R₃, with at least 50% of the R₄ groups representing a hydrogen atom.

[0052] In the specific case of the formula (I), the optionally functionalized end fatty chains within the meaning of the invention are end chains bonded to the final heteroatom, in this instance nitrogen, of the polyamide backbone.

[0053] In particular, the ester groups of the formula (I), which form part of the end and/or side fatty chains within the meaning of the invention, represent from 15 to 40% of the total number of the ester and amide groups and better still from 20 to 35%. Furthermore, n advantageously represents an integer ranging from 1 to 5 and preferably of greater than 2.

[0054] Preferably, R₁ is a C₁₂ to C₂₂ alkyl group and more preferably a C₁₆ to C₂₂ alkyl group. Advantageously, R₂ can be a C₁₀ to C₄₂ hydrocarbonaceous (alkylene) group. Preferably, at least 50% and more preferably at least 75% of the R₂ symbols are groups having from 30 to 42 carbon atoms. The other R₂ symbols are C₄ to C₁₉ and even C₄ to C₁₂ hydrogenated groups. Preferably, R₃ represents a C₂ to C₃₆ hydrocarbonaceous group or a polyoxyalkylene group and R₄ represents a hydrogen atom. More preferably, R₃ represents a C₂ to C₁₂ hydrocarbonaceous group.

[0055] The hydrocarbonaceous groups can be linear, cyclic or branched and saturated or unsaturated groups. Furthermore, the alkyl and alkylene groups can be linear or branched and saturated or unsaturated groups.

[0056] According to the invention, the structuring of the liquid fatty phase is preferably obtained using one or more polymers of formula (I). In general, the polymers of formula (I) are provided in the form of blends of polymers, it being possible for these blends to additionally comprise a synthetic product corresponding to a compound of formula (I) where n has the value 0, that is to say a diester.

[0057] These polymers, because of their fatty chain(s), exhibit good solubility in oils and thus result in macroscopically homogeneous compositions, even with a high (at least 25%) level of polymer, in contrast to polymers devoid of a fatty chain.

[0058] Mention may be made, as preferred structuring polymers of formula (I) which can be used in the invention, of the polyamides modified by side fatty chains and/or end fatty chains having from 8 to 120 carbon atoms and in particular from 12 to 68 carbon atoms, the end fatty chains being bonded to the polyamide backbone via ester groups. These polymers preferably comprise a fatty chain at each end of the polymer backbone and in particular of the polyamide backbone.

[0059] Mention may be made, as examples of structuring polyamides of formula (I) which can be used in the composition according to the invention, of the commercial products sold by Arizona Chemical under the names Uniclear® 80 and Uniclear® 100. They are sold respectively in the form of an 80% (as active material) gel in a mineral oil and of a 100% (as active material) gel. They have a softening point of 88 to 94° C. These commercial products are a blend of copolymers of a C₃₆ diacid condensed with ethylenediamine, with a weight-average molecular mass respectively of approximately 600 or 4 000. The end ester groups result from the esterification of the remaining acid endings with cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol or their mixtures (also known as cetearyl alcohol).

[0060] The galactomannans are in particular ethylated guar derivatives having especially a degree of substitution of 2 to 3, such as those sold by Aqualon under the names N-Hance-AG-200® or N-Hance-AG-50®.

[0061] The pyrogenic silica preferably exhibits a particle size which can be nanometric to micrometric, for example ranging from approximately from 5 to 200 nm.

[0062] Pyrogenic silicas can be obtained by high temperature hydrolysis of a volatile silicon compound in an oxyhydrogen flame, producing a finely divided silica. This process makes it possible in particular to obtain hydrophilic silicas which exhibit a large number of silanol groups at their surfaces. Such hydrophilic silicas are, for example, sold under the names Aerosil 130®, Aerosil 200®, Aerosil 255®, Aerosil 300® and Aerosil 380® by Degussa or under the names Cab-O-Sil HS-5®, Cab-O-Sil EH-5®, Cab-O-Sil LM-130®, Cab-O-Sil MS-55® and Cab-O-Sil M-5® by Cabot.

[0063] It is possible to chemically modify the surface of said silica by a chemical reaction which reduces the number of silanol groups. It is possible in particular to substitute silanol groups by hydrophobic groups and thus to obtain a hydrophobic silica. The hydrophobic groups can be:

[0064] trimethylsiloxy groups, which are obtained in particular by treatment of pyrogenic silica in the presence of hexamethyldisilazane. Silicas thus treated are named “Silica silylate” according to the CTFA (6th edition, 1995). They are sold, for example, under the name Aerosil R812® by Degussa and under the name Cab-O-Sil TS-530® by Cabot.

[0065] dimethylsilyloxy or polydimethylsiloxane groups, which are obtained in particular by treatment of pyrogenic silica in the presence of polydimethylsiloxane or of dimethyldichlorosilane. Silicas thus treated are named “Silica dimethyl silylate” according to the CTFA (6th edition, 1995). They are sold, for example, under the names Aerosil R972® and Aerosil R974® by Degussa and under the names Cab-O-Sil TS-610® and Cab-O-Sil TS-720® by Cabot.

[0066] groups resulting from the reaction of the pyrogenic silica with alkoxysilanes or siloxanes. These treated silicas are, for example, those sold under the reference Aerosil R805® by Degussa.

[0067] When the gel is an aqueous gel, use may be made of any gelling agent for aqueous phases of the cellulose derivative type, such as hydroxyethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, or acrylic derivative type, such as crosslinked copolymers of acrylic acid and of C₁₀₋₃₀ alkyl acrylates, for example the Pemulen® series and Carbopol® 980, which are sold by Goodrich, clay derivatives of the sodium magnesium silicate type, such as Laponite XLS or XLG, sold by Laporte, and the combinations of these gelling agents. The aqueous gel can be a water-based gel or a gel based on a water/alcohol mixture.

[0068] The gelling agent represents from 0.05 to 90% by weight, preferably from 2 to 60% by weight and in particular from 5 to 40% by weight of the total weight of the colored cosmetic composition.

[0069] The transparent or translucent cosmetic bases used according to the invention are preferably substantially colorless.

[0070] One or more coloring agents is/are introduced, according to the present invention, into these transparent or translucent cosmetic bases.

[0071] According to the present invention, the term “coloring agent” encompasses in particular water-soluble or fat-soluble dyes, pigments, pearlescence agents, lakes and their mixtures.

[0072] Mention may be made, as water-soluble dyes, of synthetic dyes, such as fuchsin, plant extracts, such as extracts of sorghum, of Pterocarpus soyauxii, of Monascus, of Lawsonia inermis, of Mercurialis perenis, of Helianthus aanus, of Impatiens balsamina, of Curcuma longa, of Phytolacca decandra, of Solidago aureus, of Juglans regia, of Iris germanica, of Alkanna tinctoria, of Chrozophoro tinctoria or of Isatis tinctoria, and the mixtures of these dyes.

[0073] The fat-soluble dyes are, for example, Sudan red III (CTFA: D&C Red 17), lutein, quinizarin green (CTFA: D&C Green 6), alizurol purple SS (CTFA: D&C Violet No. 2), carotenoid derivatives, such as lycopene, β-carotene, bixin or capsantein, annatto and fuchsin derivatives (see example 2), and their mixtures.

[0074] A number of these dyes, such as extracts of Pterocarpus soyauxii, Monascus and Lawsonia inermis, have a strong affinity for the skin and can thus confer a semipermanent coloring thereon, that is to say a coloring which withstands being washed several times.

[0075] The term “pigments” should be understood as meaning white or colored, inorganic or organic and coated or uncoated particles. Mention may be made, for example, of titanium, zirconium or cerium dioxides, zinc, iron or chromium oxides, ferric blue, chromium hydrate, carbon black, ultramarines (polysulfides of aluminum silicates), manganese violet, manganese pyrophosphate and some metal powders, such as silver or aluminum powders, and their mixtures.

[0076] The term “pearlescence agents” is understood to mean white nacreous pigments, such as mica covered with titanium oxide or with bromuth oxychloride, and colored nacreous pigments, such as titanium oxide-coated mica covered with iron oxides, ferric blue or chromium oxide or with a precipitated typical organic pigment.

[0077] The lakes which can be used in the compositions of the present invention are, for example, lakes based on cochineal carmine or based on calcium, barium, aluminum, strontium or zirconium salts, on acid dyes, and their mixtures.

[0078] The amount of coloring agent is determined for the present invention. This is because this amount directly determines the transmission of the composition, which, for a thickness of 10 μm, has to be between 20% and 80% at the wavelength corresponding to the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent.

[0079] Below a certain amount of coloring agent (transmission at 10 μm of greater than 80%), the composition will give rise to a coat which is sufficiently transparent or translucent to retain the natural appearance of the skin, lips or superficial body growths but it will not allow a coloring visible to the naked eye to be introduced.

[0080] On the other hand, for an excessively high proportion of coloring agent (transmission at 10 μm of less than 20%), the color of the make-up coat will certainly be visible but the transparency or the translucency of the latter will be insufficient to retain the natural appearance of the skin. Furthermore, cosmetic compositions comprising an excessively high proportion of coloring agent will exhibit unsatisfactory bulk transparency or translucency.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the colored cosmetic compositions have a transmission, measured for a thickness of 10 μm, at the wavelength corresponding to the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, of between 25% and 80%.

[0082] The process for determining the appropriate amount of coloring agent which makes it possible to obtain transparent or translucent colored compositions according to the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0083] The appropriate amount of coloring agent will obviously depend on its physicochemical properties, such as its solubility in the cosmetic base, its particle size or its molar coefficient of absorption (ε).

[0084] The transparent or translucent colored cosmetic compositions according to the present invention generally comprise from 0.05% to 3% by weight and preferably from 0.1 to 1% by weight of coloring agent(s), on the basis of the total weight of the colored cosmetic composition. For the pearlescence agents, it is possible to range up to 3% by weight; for the pigments, the lakes or the dyes, the range preferably only extends up to 1% by weight.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the colored cosmetic composition comprises at least one water-soluble or fat-soluble dye which is soluble in the cosmetic base.

[0086] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the colored cosmetic composition comprises, as coloring agent(s), solely one or more dyes which are soluble in the cosmetic base and is devoid of insoluble coloring agents of pigment, pearlescence agent or lake type.

[0087] In a more particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic base is a lipophilic base comprising one or more lipophilic dyes which are soluble in the latter.

[0088] This is because such compositions, comprising solely soluble dyes, have a good coloring power in combination with excellent transparency properties due to the absence of scattering of the light by insoluble particles.

[0089] Another subject matter of the present invention is a process for the preparation of the transparent or translucent colored cosmetic compositions of the present invention which has, as main characteristics:

[0090] the choice of an appropriate transparent or translucent cosmetic base and

[0091] the apportioning of the coloring agent(s), that is to say the incorporation of an appropriate amount of coloring agent(s) which makes it possible to solve the technical problem at the source of the invention, that is to say the production of a colored coat having a transmission (at 10 μm and at λ_(max)) of between 20% and 80%.

[0092] The determination of the appropriate amount of coloring agent comprises the stages consisting:

[0093] (a) in selecting a transparent or translucent cosmetic base as described above,

[0094] (b) in preparing a series of samples of this transparent or translucent cosmetic base comprising increasing amounts of a coloring agent dissolved or dispersed in said cosmetic base,

[0095] (c) in spreading each of the samples thus prepared over a transparent slide exhibiting a recess with a depth of 10 μm,

[0096] (d) in optionally leveling out the excess of the sample, so as to obtain a layer with a thickness of 10 μm,

[0097] (e) in measuring, for each of the samples, the transmission of said layer at the wavelength corresponding to the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, and

[0098] (f) in plotting the transmission=f(concentration of the coloring agent) calibration curve.

[0099] Colored cosmetic compositions are subsequently prepared by incorporating one or more coloring agents in a transparent or translucent cosmetic base which is identical to or different than that selected in stage (a) above and which is in the liquid state, each of the coloring agents being incorporated in an amount giving, from the calibration curve prepared for each coloring agent, a transmission (at 10 μm) of between 20% and 80%, preferably between 25% and 80%.

[0100] To receive the coloring agent, the cosmetic base must, of course, be in the liquid state. The liquid consistency can be a property of the base as such at ambient temperature or it can be the result of the melting or dissolution of a cosmetic base which is solid at ambient temperature.

[0101] The solid anhydrous cosmetic bases preferred according to the present invention are preferably liquefied by melting at a temperature slightly above their melting point.

[0102] The present invention is illustrated using the examples below.

EXAMPLE 1

[0103] Lipstick Uniclear ® 100 25% Octyldodecanol 10% Rocou ® 0.2%  (coloring active material) Parleam oil q.s. for 100% by weight

[0104] The Uniclear® 100 and the oils are introduced into a casserole. The combined contents are stirred magnetically and are heated in a first step to 100° C. to bring the Uniclear to the liquid state. Heating is then continued as far as the temperature necessary to produce a homogeneous transparent liquid. The mixture is then placed at 10° C. above this temperature. The dye is introduced into the mixture and the combined contents are homogenized with magnetic stirring for 1 hour. The composition is cast in a mold heated at 45° C. to form a stick which is placed, after solidification has begun, in a freezer for 15 minutes (−21° C.).

[0105] The composition obtained has a bulk translucent appearance (1 cm) and gives rise to a completely transparent coat with an orange color having a transmission at 498 nm (λ_(max) of the dye) and at a thickness of 10 μm of 78%.

EXAMPLE 1

[0106] Lipstick Uniclear ® 100 25% Octyldodecanol 10% MMB Red ® 33/3 complex 0.2%  (coloring active material) Parleam oil q.s. for 100% by weight

[0107] A stick is prepared by the same process as in example 1.

[0108] The composition obtained has a bulk translucent appearance (1 cm) and gives rise to a completely transparent coat with a fuchsia pink color having a transmission at 530 nm (λ_(max) of the dye) and at a thickness of 10 μm of 40%. 

1. A transparent or translucent colored cosmetic composition for making up the skin, lips and superficial body growths comprising a bulk transparent or translucent cosmetic base and at least one coloring agent in an amount such that the transmission of a 10 μm layer of the final composition, measured at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, is between 20% and 80%.
 2. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transparent or translucent cosmetic base is a substantially colorless base.
 3. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transparent or translucent cosmetic base is chosen from aqueous or oily gels, in particular in the form of sticks.
 4. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base is an anhydrous gel formed from a fatty phase which is liquid at ambient temperature comprising polar and/or nonpolar oils, which fatty phase is structured by a gelling agent for fatty phases chosen from hydrophobic pyrogenic silicas, gelling polyamides, hydrophobic galactomannans, and their mixtures.
 5. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the gelling polyamides correspond to the formula (I):

in which n denotes a whole number of amide units such that the number of ester groups represents from 10% to 50% of the total number of the ester and amide groups; each of the [lacuna] symbols independently denotes an alkyl or alkenyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and in particular from 4 to 24 carbon atoms; each of the R₂ symbols independently represents a C₄ to C₄₂ hydrocarbonaceous group, provided that 50% of the R₂ groups represent a C₃₀ to C₄₂ hydrocarbonaceous group; each of the R₃ symbols independently represents an organic group provided with at least 2 carbon atoms, with hydrogen atoms and optionally with one or more oxygen or nitrogen atoms; and each of the R₄ symbols independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group or a direct bond to R₃ or to another R₄, so that the nitrogen atom to which both R₃ and R₄ are bonded forms part of a heterocyclic structure defined by R₄—N—R₃, with at least 50% of the R₄ groups representing a hydrogen atom.
 6. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coloring agent or agents is (or are) chosen from water-soluble dyes, fat-soluble dyes, pigments, pearlescence agents, lakes and their mixtures.
 7. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the water-soluble dyes are chosen from extracts of sorghum, of Pterocarpus soyauxii, of Monascus, of Lawsonia inermis, of Mercurialis perenis, of Helianthus aanus, of Impatiens balsamina, of Curcuma longa, of Phytolacca decandra, of Solidago aureus, of Juglans regia, of Iris germanica, of Alkanna tinctoria, of Chrozophoro tinctoria or of Isatis tinctoria, and their mixtures.
 8. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the fat-soluble dyes are chosen from Sudan red III, lutein, quinizarin green, alizurol purple SS, carotenoid derivatives, such as lycopene, β-carotene, bixin or capsantein, and annatto and fuchsin derivatives, and their mixtures.
 9. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the pigments are white or colored, inorganic or organic and coated or uncoated pigments chosen from titanium, zirconium or cerium dioxides, zinc, iron or chromium oxides, ferric blue, chromium hydrate, carbon black, ultramarines, manganese violet, manganese pyrophosphate and some metal powders, such as silver or aluminum powders, and their mixtures.
 10. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the pearlescence agents are chosen from mica covered with titanium oxide or with bismuth oxychloride and titanium oxide-coated mica covered with iron oxides, ferric blue or chromium oxide or with a precipitated organic pigment.
 11. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the lakes are chosen from lakes based on cochineal carmine or based on calcium, barium, aluminum, strontium or zirconium salts, on acid dyes, and their mixtures.
 12. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one water-soluble or fat-soluble dye which is soluble in the cosmetic base.
 13. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that it comprises, as coloring agent(s), solely one or more dyes which are soluble in the cosmetic base and in that it is devoid of insoluble coloring agents of pigment, pearlescence agent or lake type.
 14. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cosmetic base is a lipophilic base and in that it comprises one or more lipophilic dyes which are soluble in the latter.
 15. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coloring agent is present in an amount such that the transmission of a 10 μm layer of the final composition, measured at the wavelength of the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, is between 25% and 80%.
 16. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amount of coloring agent(s) is between 0.05% and 3% by weight and preferably between 0.1 and 1% by weight of coloring agent with respect to the total weight of the colored cosmetic composition.
 17. The colored cosmetic composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided in the form of an anhydrous lipstick or of an anhydrous foundation.
 18. A process for the preparation of the transparent or translucent colored cosmetic composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises the stages consisting (a) in selecting a transparent or translucent cosmetic base, (b) in preparing a series of samples of this transparent or translucent cosmetic base comprising increasing amounts of a coloring agent dissolved or dispersed in said cosmetic base, (c) in spreading each of the samples thus prepared over a transparent slide exhibiting a recess with a depth of 10 μm, (d) in optionally leveling out the excess of the sample, so as to obtain an even layer with a thickness of 10 μm, (e) in measuring, for each of the samples, the transmission of said layer at the wavelength corresponding to the maximum of one of the absorption or scattering peaks of the coloring agent, (f) in plotting the transmission=f(concentration of the coloring agent) calibration curve, and (g) in incorporating at least one coloring agent in a transparent or translucent cosmetic base which is identical to or different than that selected in stage (a) above and which is in the liquid state, each of the coloring agents being incorporated in an amount giving, from the calibration curve prepared for each coloring agent, a transmission (at 10 μm) of between 20% and 80%, preferably between 25% and 80%. 